Compression and tension creep behaviour of LVL sengon (Paraserianthes Falcataria)

This study was aimed to investigate the creep behavior of laminated veneer lumber (LVL) Sengon, especially under the application of compression and tension stress parallel-to-the-grain. In Indonesia LVL made from the fast-growing Sengon (Paraserianthes falcataria) species is designed to be used as a substitution for solid wood in building construction. Creep test was conducted on the specimens with reference to the ASTM D143‐09 standard test methods for small clear specimens of timber. Moreover, the constant loads were made equal to about 20, 30, and 40 of the 60 ultimate load derived from the static test and the creep test was conducted in a chamber having an average temperature of 25oC and minimum relative humidity of 65. The results of creep test for a period of 90 days showed that the creep factors were 0.51, 0.52, and 0.41, respectively for the specimens under tension stress level of 20, 30, and 40, respectively. In the case of specimen under compression stress parallel-to-the-grain, the creep factors were 0.42, 0.41, and 0.31, respectively, for stress level equals to 20, 30, and 40. It can be concluded that the creep factor under tension stress is slightly higher than that of specimens under compression stress, and these obtained creep factors are much lesser than the values provided in the code.